This week in civics: Hip-hop goes green, bowl for a good cause & run in a ‘Giant Race’

Main Parade Lawn, The Presidio, Montgomery St.
Saturday,  Aug. 20, 12 - 7:00 p.m. | Free

When you think of hip-hop, environmental justice may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Bay Area-based nonprofit Hip Hop For Change will be advocating for Mother Earth this weekend. 

On Saturday, the organization hosts its 6th annual Environmental Justice Summit at the Main Parade Lawn in the Presidio. This year’s theme is “Adding Color to the Green Movement.'' The focus of the summit is to inform communities of color about climate change and create space in the environmental justice movement for diverse viewpoints to be heard. 

“We realized that a lot of these environmental spaces are white, and we want the voices of color to be represented," said Eric Sasz, events director of Hip Hop For Change.

For decades, hip-hop has empowered communities of color to express themselves and their experiences. Hip Hop For Change hopes to pass along that sense of creative agency to youth by teaching them about hip-hop and how it can be used to make an impact on the world.

“We’re looking at the younger generation, which is inspiring us to create that change,” Sasz continued. “[They’re] not wanting to wait for the OGs and just take action.”

Saturday’s event is Hip Hop For Change’s first “festival-like” Environmental Justice Summit and, according to Sasz, they are preparing for well over 3,000 attendees. The event features a variety of activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

At 1 p.m., People Over Plastic hosts a “story salon,”  with environmental attorney Patrice Simms leading a conversation about climate action and community engagement. Hip-hop performances by artists D Smoke, Sa-Roc, Sol Messiah, SOL Development, Ryan Nicole, Lady Ryan and Shortkut will follow. There will also be arts and crafts stations for kids with vendors and food trucks on hand. Ultimately, event organizers hope that attendees can walk away empowered.

“I would like people to take away a sense of self worth and community and a way for them to get involved,” Sasz said. 

Mission Bowling Club, 3176 17th St.
6 - 10 p.m. | $10

Kick your week off with bowling for a good cause. Every third Monday of the month, Mission Bowling Club hosts “Queer Bowling.” Sponsored by select brands that support the LGBTQ+ community such as San Francisco’s own Standard Deviant Brewing, this bowling event raises awareness and funds for local nonprofits, with 100% of proceeds going toward Queer Bowling’s chosen beneficiary of the month. This month’s beneficiary is Drag Queen Story Hour. A ticket includes a free drink and bowling for the evening, so you can enjoy some friendly competition and camaraderie! (XL)

Booksmith, 300 Funston Ave.
7:30 p.m.  | $5 - $25 

If the Capitol Riot on Jan. 6 left you frightened and alarmed for the state of our democracy, you’re not alone. Southern California Congressman Adam Schiff will be discussing his new book Midnight in Washington—a frank examination of the risks of autocracy and authoritarianism in the United States—at an event organized by Haight Street’s Booksmith. Schiff believes that antidemocratic forces are at work in the Republican Party, and his book talk will take concerned citizens deeper into Schiff’s experience on Jan. 6. (BF)

The Commonwealth Club of California, 110 The Embarcadero
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | $10 - $20

Learn how to use humor to heal, build community and mobilize allyship during this evening of comedy and conversation hosted by stand-up comedian and disability advocate Nina G. for the disabled community and allies. The author of Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn’t Happen and Once Upon an Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities, Nina G. holds a PhD in psychology and will discuss how to use humor to lighten the weighty subject of disability, how to self-advocate and how to be an ally. She will be available to meet with attendees one-on-one before and after the event. (BF)

San Francisco Arts Commission Main Gallery, 401 Van Ness, Ste. 126
5 - 7 p.m. | Free 

Fluid, feathered and deeply experimental, the art of Carlos Villa is a vibrant part of San Francisco’s culture and its Filipino-American community. A retrospective of Villa’s work is being brought to the public for the first time by the San Francisco Arts Commission and the Asian Art Museum. The San Francisco Arts Commission's gallery exhibition focuses on Villa’s shifting trajectory between the ’80s and ’90s—at a time when he became increasingly focused on Filipino art history and creating work to celebrate his cultural roots.

The public is invited to share their memories and reflections on his life and art during an evening of remembrance that will record oral histories for SOMA Pilipinas’ pilot of their Living Legacy Digital Archive.  Sign up for a 15-minute recording session by emailing sfac.galleries@sfgov.org. (BF)

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough St.
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Free

The Family Caregiver Alliance hosts a day of conversation and community support for family and friends aiding loved ones with complex illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and similar conditions. This event aims to connect caregivers with each other and professionals who provide support. The day of wellness activities and interactive discussions also features panels with District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, Executive Director of Family Caregiver Alliance Kathleen A. Kelly, and many more. Register beforehand or you can also register at breakfast that morning. (YM)

Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison St.
8 - 11 p.m | $100+

The Annual GLIDE Legacy Gala returns in person this year for a celebration of unconditional love and radical inclusion. GLIDE is a center for advocacy that aims to fight poverty, homelessness and racial injustice by providing comprehensive social services. Last year it served over 750,000 meals and helped thousands of people through its walk-in center and Family, Youth and Childcare Center. This year’s gala will showcase the GLIDE ensemble, delicious food with vegan options, a live poetry reading by Ramona Webb and music by DJ King Most. (LM)

1015 Folsom
9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. | $15+

Join 1015 for a night of drinks, DJs and dancing to support reproductive rights. The Fight for Our Rights: Abortion Access Fundraiser is a donation-based event that will donate 100% percent of its proceeds to the National Network of Abortion Funds and Planned Parenthood after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June. The National Network of Abortion Funds focuses on removing financial barriers to care and promoting reproductive justice. Amid bass, beats and LED strobes, attendees can dance to music by Heidi Lawden, b0nitababy, Cherub 420 and many more while supporting comprehensive and affordable healthcare. (LM)

Aquatic Park, 700 Beach St.
11 a.m. | Free

Have you ever wanted to dance with mystical mermaids? Well, now you can for a good cause at Shark Stewards’ 2nd annual shark and mermaid-themed parade at Aquatic Park. This kid-friendly event invites you and your family to come and have fun with mermaids, sharks and pirates to advocate for plastic-free waterfronts as well as help clean up Aquatic Park. Shark Stewards has been working since 2015 to eliminate the global shark fin trade, protect shark habitats, minimize marine debris and reduce ocean pollution. (XL)

34th Ave. & Quitara St.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Free

Did you know that rain gardens not only help collect rainwater with drainage systems but also help preserve wildlife and nature? Join the Rain Guardians’ community event held by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) on Saturday and learn more about how rain gardens work and how to maintain them. You can also sign up to become a Rain Guardians volunteer and take care of rain gardens in your community! (JT)

Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza 
8 a.m. | $45+

Join the San Francisco Giants for their annual Giant Race this Sunday at Oracle Park. This race will feature 10k and 5k courses as well as a virtual race, so there’s something for runners of every skill and comfort level. Take in views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, Embarcadero and more alongside the team’s mascot, Lou Seal, and get your steps in for this charity fun run, which finishes on the field! This year’s event benefits The Guardsmen, which provides scholarships and camping experiences to Bay Area children facing hardships and poverty. Gear up for the event with a Health and Wellness Expo hosted by the Giants on Saturday, Aug. 20, which also features a kids race at 11:30 a.m. and a “Grand Slam” Family Challenge with a slew of baseball-themed activities on the field. (XL)